Processor

/ˈprɑːsɛsər/ (US), /ˈprəʊsɛsə/ (UK) noun

Definition

A machine or part of a machine that handles and changes information or materials, such as a computer’s central unit. It can also mean a company that prepares raw goods for use or sale.

Etymology

From *process* plus the agent suffix *-or* meaning 'one who does'. It describes something that carries out a process.

Kelly Says

Your computer’s processor is like the brain’s brain—almost everything digital you do passes through it. Food processors and payment processors do the same pattern: take raw input, apply steps, output something usable. Once you see 'processor', you can ask: what is it changing, and who controls the recipe?

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.